Edwin Arnold Dennis

Edwin “Coach” Arnold Dennis, age 81, died on Good Friday, April 3, 2015. A Durham native, Coach was born to the late Edwin J. and Mabel Jackson Dennis on November 2, 1933.

Coach graduated from East Carolina University in 1959 and spent 36 years at Holton Middle School in Durham serving as coach, principal and athletic director where he retired in 1995. Throughout his teaching and coaching career, Coach served as a second father to many of his “kids”.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Helen Oldham Dennis of Durham; and close friends, the McGranahan’s, especially Marcail “Messy Bessy”.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, from the Chapel of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service in Durham. Presiding will be former students of Coach Dennis, the Rev. Earl Echols and the Rev. Jack Moody. Burial will follow in Ephesus Baptist Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Coach’s name may be made to Ephesus Baptist Church, 2025 Ephesus Church Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27517.

Condolence Messages

To Sir, With Love,
Those school girl days of telling tales
And biting nails are gone
But in my mind I know
They will still live on and on
But how do you thank someone
Who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
It isn’t easy, but I’ll try
If you wanted the sky
I would write across the sky in letters
That would soar a thousand feet high
To Sir, with love
The time has come for closing books
And long last looks must end
And as I leave I know
That I am leaving my best friend
A friend who taught me right from wrong
And weak from strong
That’s a lot to learn, what
can I give you in return?
If you wanted the moon
I would try to make a star
But I, would rather you let me give my heart
To Sir, with love

Debbie and I were saddened to learn of Eddie’s passing. My fond memories of Eddie go back to my childhood. Please know that his life served as a great example of caring and service to others. Debbie and I pray that the Lord will comfort you during this difficult time.

I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Of course, I did not know him, but his obituary makes very clear what a wonderful person he was and what important contributions he made to education and the Durham community.

Helen, As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Coach Dennis. Coach made a great impact in my life. He instilled self-discipline, teamwork and confidence in me. Coach Dennis was a mentor of mine and I was incredibly blessed to be one of those athletes he coached. Our hearts are with you in this time of sorrow.

Helen, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband. I appreciate the stories you shared with me about how Coach helped so many young people as their coach or school principal. His dedication and passion for teaching/coaching impacted so many lives! He will be missed by many.
Rhonda (Master Gardeners)

Helen, I’m so sorry to hear the sad news. I’ll always remember the summer that Coach taught tennis to my two boys, well beyond the official hours of summer camp, then proudly showed off the stunning cleome flowers he had been growing.
Lissa Lutz

Helen, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your husband of many years. I know sharing his life as a valued community member was a special gift for you. Please know I wish you the best as you go through the adjustment of life without him. Celebrate the good times and take time to heal.
With kindest regards,

Helen, so sorry to hear of Eddie’s death, As Martha said, know all our classmates will miss him. I remember the times we saw each other at the pizza place on Guess Rd. and I would join you and Eddie for wonderful conversation. I will be in touch with you soon and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

I will always miss coach dennis.. he showed me the right way run on the track team. we were no. one team that year. 1978. also the best relay team. keith space Wilson reggie allen Stanley royster and kennyfowler.